So it is Halloween. Many girls have outgrown the infatuation with dressing up as their favorite Disney character and going door to door with giggles and baskets in hand anxious to squeal “trick or treat” at every door that opens for their excitement.

And while the enthusiasm wanes as our girls enter middle and high school, they secretly hold a desire to “celebrate” and have fun in the name of halloween. Sans the parental sentry. Of course it is time to let them have this taste of independence. Which is why there must be due diligence in keeping safety a priority.

Have a destination: Identify what you want to do and find the specific address for the scene of your fun. Just standing outside, loitering is an invitation for trouble. (A few ideas: Go to haunted houses, amusement parks, adult-supervised house parties, community center events, church “Hallejuah” parties, after-school parties, hang out at the mall, go to watch a scary movie, host a spooky slumber party).

The saying, safety in numbers is true. Group outings are always fun AND keeps you with others who all can have your back if something happens. if you go with a group, STAY TOGETHER.

Let adults know exactly what your plans are. If possible, have an adult drop off and pick up. Carpools are cool, too.

If a group is known for troublemaking, make a decision to do only positive activity. Find an alternative group/activity.

Establish a secret code word for you and your parents to use in case you are in an uncomfortable/dangerous situation and need your parents to pick you up immediately. (dangerous situations may include: unwanted sexual advances from boys/older boys at your event; alcohol and drugs being passed around; guns/violence breaks out; police harassment).

DO NOT SNATCH CANDY BAGS FROM SMALL CHILDREN.

DO NOT GO IN VACANT HOMES/BUILDINGS.

DO NOT CAUSE HARM TO ANYONE.

DO NOT DAMAGE ANY PROPERTY.

DO NOT CONSUME DRUGS OR ALCOHOL

For adults and caregivers…

Make sure you know what your child’s costume is.

Know exactly what your child’s plans are.

Make the time to coordinate with other parents/caregivers about drop off/pick up.

Get the names and contact information of all parents of your child’s friends.

Establish a secret code word for your child to use if they are in an umcomfortable or dangerous situation and need you to come get them immediately

If you have any recommendations on fun and safe Halloween fun, please share in the comments. Also, please tag @GirlsLikeMeProject in your halloween fun pictures on Instagram. Follow us on Twitter, too! @GirlsLikeMeProj